Even noted teetotaler Zdeno Chara has been captured numerous times, including in the aftermath of the Bruins’ Game 7 win at Vancouver, partaking in some adult beverages both from the Cup and other bottles/cans.

“It’s so important that you do that because I’m also human and it’s a time that you let it go and celebrate,” explained Chara. “That was just … we were so happy. I think that that celebration right afterwards in the locker room, it’s a pure one. There’s no hiding or hesitating or worrying about anything else, who’s around to see this or that. You just didn’t care. You basically let everything out, all that energy that you kept in for that long and the relief and the excitement and being happy and everything that just came out. And obviously it was one of the best celebrations and get together we had with family, fans and everybody.”

Ever since he was the first Bruins player to hoist the Cup above his head, Chara has been leading the celebration all over New England and now the U.S. (the Cup is in Las Vegas for Wednesday’s NHL Awards show). The celebration is just a continuation of his growth as an admired leader, which is a process that’s been ongoing since he took over as captain of the Bruins in 2006.

“I think that in any position, not just as a captain, you grow as you learn to be in that position. I think I’m just trying to obviously be there for my team, no matter what, for my guys,” he said. “Whatever it is, I always try to think about not myself but more as what it’s going to do to the team or 25 guys. In a way, the same thing [as the coaches], I always have to think a little bit ahead and if this decision is going to be made or not.

“I’m very privileged to have guys around me who I can always lean onto and ask their opinions. It’s so important that you make the decision as a group instead of individually. Obviously having Mark Recchi here, Patrice [Bergeron], Andrew Ference, Chris Kelly, it’s been really fun and easy to work with these guys. It’s something that I really take a lot of pride in, leading this team. And like I said, when I signed here five years ago, I had a mission and a goal and I’m just so happy that it worked out that way. That I was able to bring this team to the top and win a championship. Everybody’s dreaming about it, and obviously it was my dream. I’m very happy and humbled to be able to say that we are the champions.”

Chara needed his teammates to help him out with more than just leading back in the first-round Montreal series, as he had to miss Game 2 and was not himself for several games after that. What was termed dehydration at the time has since been revealed by Chara as a bacterial infection.

“I was so thankful of the guys, carrying me on for the next few games,” said Chara, who finished the playoffs with 2-7-9 totals and a plus-16 rating. “Even though I played a pretty solid amount of minutes, I tried to obviously stay out of some long shifts and things likes that. Somehow [there’s] some things you can’t control in your life and that happened. You get ill and at that point, it was quite hard to miss Game 2 but there was no way I’d be able to finish the game.”

Other than that illness, Chara said he didn’t play through anything worse than “bumps and bruises” the rest of the postseason. Always the diligent worker, Chara even said that he’s already looking forward to next year’s training camp.

“In a way it’s true. Obviously right now we all know that the time off from the ice and training is very important,” he said. “This season’s been really long. But at the same time I think we are all excited to be thinking about next season and training camp.”

Actually, Zdeno, everyone’s more excited to celebrate what was accomplished this season. And that might require you to take a few more sips of something more potent than a protein shake or energy drink.

John – It’s because no matter what the article is on, JPT and Bernard bring up Chara. “Bergeron’s shorthander against Luongo in game seven should not have counted, because Chara tried to kill Paccioretty.”

I wish other fans were more like RD. I enjoy reading your posts, RD, because you come in with a semblance of hockey knowledge. Instead of trolling 24/7, you get your knocks in when necessary but generally make legitimate points.

JPT and BG, on the other hand, ruin the comments sections and turn hockey conversations into bitch-fests. I can understand being a troll and taking a day or two during a playoff series to get the other fans riled up, but some of you guys must not have much to do on a daily basis.

Why does EVERY SINGLE post on here have to devolve into an argument about who wants Chara’s scalp, Pax is a baby, etc. I saw no mention of that hit in this article, only a mention of Chara getting hammered after winning the Stanley Cup.

Bernard, I think I understand your problem now. If you knew hockey at all, you would realize that players don’t come on the ice planning for an opponent to skate by the bench so they can hurt them. Hockey is much too fluid to be that predictable. Maybe you should try some of the curling blogs instead? You might have an easier time understanding that game. Don’t worry, hockey isn’t for everyone.

It’s no secret that I hated the Chara play but I’ll say this.
What I wanted was a short suspension. This suspension would have been served and then he would have resumed playing.
Whether he served the suspension or not does not impact whether he would have had a right to hoist the Stanley cup.

I certainly wasn’t calling for him to be banned outright so if he lead his team to the Stanley Cup in the spring, it’s his right to drink from the cup.

He’s had a long career without much playoff success. He’s a key player, an elite player in the league and these are the types of players that inspire others to succeed.

I still have issues with him about his own accountability for the incident but his team won 4 series, 16 games and the cup. Not my favorite outcome but it can’t be denied.

@Bernard… I like your posts but in my opinion, you can’t have it both ways. I’m mad at Chara because Pacioretty was severely injured. I can’t in my right mind turn around and wish the same thing on him. It makes me no better than the players and fans that I am so quick to denounce.
Want satisfaction? I’ll settle for a win…I’ll settle for knocking the Bruins out of the playoffs next year:) (Hoping for a rematch!)

I can understand your bias and you can understand mine. I like Chara as a hockey player but I dislike him as a person not speaking the truth about his intents. Remember the Brawl in Boston. Chara was running after him like a mad men. If Hall Gill had’nt been there the kid would have been killed in blood fest frenzy. Then, in MTL with 12 seconds (2nd period I think it was) on the clock in a loosing cause,(3-0), 70 feet away from Thomas, Julien puts Chara on (At his request I’m sure). Chara knows that if the puck goes to the wide side, where he plays, he will finally get a juicy opportunity to hurt the guy, ahhhh sweet revenge, He is actually drooling a few second before he makes contact. Remember the puck is already at the other end by then anyways, there you have it. INTENT.

When Z sees the stanchion he does not hold back, all the contrary.

So, I respect him as a hockey player but I don’t respect him as a human being cuz that was not a hockey play. P.S. Those who don’t respect my view I do respect, but to tell me that I saw it wrong is diminishing of your own selves.
I agree with everybody that this story should be put to sleep but I had to react to it. It’s human nature.
Best Regards.

@Bernard…I had feeling you were turning over a new leaf but you seem to have backslid into your old ways. I don’t expect you or any Habs fan to join the Chara fan club. In the same way we aren’t going to be lining up for the Alex Burrows, Matt Cooke et al fan clubs. Understandable. But to wish harm on him? Wow! We can argue for years as to whether or not it was an intent to injure play. The governing body has ruled. Its over. As for the Montreal Police getting involved…ridiculous! By signing a pro hockey contract you are ostensibly signing a waiver. Nothing that happens on the ice would be acceptable on the street. If you hip checked an old lady to get to the last May West (a little humour for my Quebec friends) you would probably get charged. But enough about that.
@Pierre Bezukov…your posts today made me laugh out loud. They are smart, well written and mean. Much respect my friend.

I had no problem looking at Chara hoisting the cup over his head. It fact, I was happy for him. Much to my surprise I must say. I think he went through a lot this year, and I felt he was deserving of this win. And I was happy for the team, Julien, Bergeron, Marchand, Horton the whole team really.

But I’m a man who admires authenticity. People who don’t live in denial when put in front of their ownself, regarding what they did, intentionnally or not. Chara tried to fill us all with lies and he seems to believe he is believed (Yes I’m talking about Max).

I don’t respect this guy. And I do wish he gets hurt bad one day. Get a taste of his own medecine. As for his excuses, past, present or future, we all know this guy is not genuine so….. It really is not worth trying to redeem yourself Z. Your mirror thinks the same…And that is you looking at yourself. It must be a bad feeling. Cancer growing media at his best.

@JPT – So, you had a break to pout and return to contribute more valuable posts to this blog. I just don’t get it. Why is this enjoyable for you? Seek a therapist, find a girlfriend, reconcile with your dad…whatever it is, I hope you are able to fill the void in your life.